The study compares the experiences of two groups of grandparents, one with a typically developing (TD) grandchild and one with a grandchild with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The extent and the kind of grandparents' involvement, the quality of their relationship and the factors that could contribute to the quality were…

Grand motherhood is in some sense a universal role but its meaning varies greatly across countries and cultures: for instance, in terms of how grandmothers are involved in their grandchildren's lives. Therefore, this study examines 40 women's experiences of caring for their grandchildren in Turkey. Data were collected through a semi-structured…

This study of grandparent-grandchild relationships was embedded in the context of technology workshops offered for young children on the autism spectrum. The purpose of this research was to examine the perspectives of six involved grandparents regarding their social interactions with their grandchildren in the context of this shared technology…

Relationships between grandparents and grandchildren provide an excellent framework for integrating family theory and family methodology. Systematic differences as a function of age, gender, life expectancy, and health as played out through generations suggest some topics are best studied by disentangling variability between and within families.…

Nothing can compare with the boundless love that a grandparent feels for their grandchild. The gift of grandchildren is one of life's greatest blessings. But life does not always deliver its blessings in the package one expects. The diagnosis of autism is for many a jolt into a new world. For parents, the diagnosis tears their hearts and brings…

For many grandchildren their grandparents are "special" people, and the time they spend together often generates memorable experiences and conversations that are educational. Yet society underestimates the impact that grandparents have as mentors and role models for children. Through spontaneous, shared activities grandparents support the science…

The purpose of this study is to explore the variation in emotional closeness in the adult grandchild and grandparent relationship in relation to the occurrence of potentially stressful life events in childhood. A sample of university students (N = 119) completed a questionnaire measuring elements of intergenerational solidarity. Comparisons were…

Finds that college-aged grandchildren used face-to-face and telephone communication more frequently with a grandparent than written media, but that all were used fairly frequently; communication using all media was more frequent when the grandparent or the grandchild initiated interaction as opposed to the parent; grandparent-initiated contact…

Some aspects of the relationship between young adult grandchildren and grandparents are examined. Results suggested the grandparent's kin position relative to the grandchild was a critical variable, more so than the grandparent's sex, in influencing the intensity of the bond. Other results are reviewed. (Author)

Discusses the grandparent-grandchild relationship and its implications for counseling activities. Reviews the historical and contemporary role expectations of grandparents and grandchildren, the reciprocal significance of this relationship, and ways to use the relationship in counseling services and programming in various settings. (Author)

Grandparents may feel resentment, discomfort and embarrassment toward handicapped grandchild. To offer emotional support to the parents, they must resolve these feelings. Talking with people knowledgeable about handicaps and reading may help grandparents accept handicaps. Grandparents' attention and interest can make major contributions to…

Examines how culture and interactions of family life influence grandparent-grandchild relationships. Results, based on 662 grandparents, show that grandparent involvement with grandchildren is significantly influenced by grandparents having known their own grandparents. Sharing a household with a grandparent made little difference in grandparents'…

Examined impact of various social relationships on level of loneliness reported by 208 elderly residents of 10 senior housing apartments, controlling for depression. Subjects who were less satisfied with quality of their relationships and had less contact with close friends were more lonely. Whether one had children, grandchildren, siblings, or…

Interviewed 114 grandparents who provided daily care to their grandchildren. Found that providing care was associated with changes in grandparents' lifestyle, friendships, family relationships, and marital relationships. Effects differed according to type of care provided: living with grandchildren and having legal responsibility, living with…

Discusses four themes that emerged from grandparents' written accounts of conversations with their college-aged grandchildren. Argues that expressions of affiliation, pride, exchange (of advice and information), and feeling distance from their grandchildren are fundamental elements of the relationship from the grandparents' perspectives. (SR)